Keep your instrument clean at all times.
Dust under the keys can be removed with a small, soft brush. Keys and other
metal parts can be cleaned with a soft cloth or chamois. Always clean the
instrument outside and inside after using. Special swabs are furnished for
cleaning the bore. Bearings and moving parts of the key mechanism should be
oiled at frequent intervals but avoid applying too much oil at one time. Dip
a toothpick or fine wire into the oil and apply only what adheres. Work the
key or part and wipe off excess oil. Use only a high grade fine machine oil,
such as Conn key oil.

CAUTION. Do not follow
for the bassoon the suggestions about oiling the wood clarinet. Bassoons are
made of maple mostly, instead of grenadilla wood, and the inside of the bore
is usually shellaced or otherwise treated to resist moisture. Conn bassoons
should never be oiled, for they are specially treated on the inside of the
bore. All that should be used on the inside of the bore is ^ dry cloth or
chamoix to remove water and dirt.

There may be some
bassoons that should be oiled; if so, the manufacturer will probably so
state. If your instrument has a strong tendency to become water soaked,
probably it should be oiled. But regardless of whether your bassoon should
or should not be oiled, DO NOT oil the tenor joint or small side of the butt
joint if these parts are rubber lined. Oil will cause the rubber to
deteriorate.